What is Posterior Vaginal Prolapse?
A posterior vaginal prolapse is a condition in which there is a bulge of tissue into the vagina. This
tissue lies between the rectum and the vagina and if it weakens or tears then the rectum may push
into the vaginal wall. This bulge of the rectum into the vagina is called by two names: A posterior
vaginal prolapse or a rectocele.
Causes of Rectocele:
This tissue tear between the rectum and the vagina can be caused due to childbirth, constipation
or by any other activities that put pressure on pelvic tissues. There may be a resultant bulge of
tissues that pushes into the vaginal wall.
Symptoms of Rectocele:
A small posterior vaginal prolapse might not cause any symptoms. But a large one might:
- A soft bulge of tissue that comes through the opening of the vagina
- Difficult bowel movements
- Looseness in the vaginal tissues.
When to Visit a Doctor:
If the symptoms are moderate or severe than treatment from a healthcare professional is needed.
If you are in great discomfort, if you are unable to have proper bowel movements, if you feel pain in
your hips, it is important for you to visit a doctor, specifically a urogynaecologist.
The doctor may suggest surgical or non-surgical treatments depending on the symptoms.
Non-surgical Treatments:
- Exercising to strengthen pelvic muscles can be taken by the patient.
- Pessary. A pessary is a silicone device that gives support to bulging tissues. A vaginal
pessary is inserted into the vagina.
Surgical Treatments:
Surgery for rectocele involves the surgeon making an incision into the posterior vaginal walls. The
layers under the wall are then sutured together so as to tighten the tissues and strengthen the wall.
Surgical mesh and grafts are not often used, because there is no evidence that these materials
benefit the patient.
Most rectoceles do not cause any symptoms and therefore do not need medical treatment of any
kind. This is why most women who do suffer from them are unaware and do not inform their
doctor.
Other Urogynaecological Issues:
Posterior vaginal prolapse is one of many urogynaecology issues that many women suffer from.
Almost every woman suffers from these problems in her lifetime. Most cases are mild, but some can
be severe. The more severe cases can lead to fertility problems and other issues. However, timely
doctor visits and a healthy lifestyle can prevent several such disorders.
Here are examples of other gynecological issues:
- Dysmenorrhea is a condition in which women suffer from painful menstruation periods
which are caused by strong uterine contractions. This condition decreases in intensity
with age, especially after childbirth. - Ovarian cysts are solid or fluid-filled sacs within or on the surface of an ovary. These
cysts may or may not be tumors. They ordinarily dissolve on their own and if they don’t
a doctor may prescribe oral contraceptive pills to get them to do so. - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an issue in which a woman’s periods may be infrequent.
In this condition, many cysts develop along the outer edge of the ovary. These cysts
contain immature eggs. These are called follicles and they fail to regularly release eggs.
Conclusion:
We at GAURI offer treatments of posterior vaginal prolapse, dysmenorrhea, ovarian cysts,
polycystic ovarian syndrome and many other urogynaecology issues. We have the best
urogynaecologists in Chennai who will be happy to treat you.
So, if you need treatment for vaginal prolapse or any other urogynaecology problem, you can make
an appointment with us.
